The ever sensible Virginia reminded me that if I was going to emulate the fantastic Miriam Margolyes and drive around Australia in a campervan, I needed to dress like her. Virginia reinforced woolly socks and runners, so I sit here resplendent just like Miriam.
I am a camping sort of gal. Well, camping under 5 stars in a swish hotel. Maybe swish hotel pre-COVID as many swish hotels seem to be now little SARS CoV – 2 incubators (especially if you are a tennis star).
So, I was channel flicking a few weeks ago and saw Miriam in her campervan driving the length and breadth of this great country. Miriam was born in 1941, so I did think if Miriam can do this, I can too. I did sort of forget that Miriam had a camera crew and entourage, and probably a chef and hair and makeup. I also forgot Miriam is a wee bit shorter and less likely to whack her head on the roof of a campervan, BUT here I am. Oh, Miriam – what fun this is.
I had my first flight with the kangaroo on my tail for over a year, and I think the pilot was a bit out of practice. Landing at Hobart airport was definitely not smooth. A short Uber to the campervan getting place. The Uber driver was such a lovely man. Had a master’s in hotel management and an MBA. Lost his job at a hotel in Sydney with the COVID crisis. Now driving an Uber in Tassie.
A bit of a wait for the van, but watching a video re how to drive the thing eased my nerves a bit.
Hit the road and realised it is easier than driving a car as you can see so much. Helps that it is auto with cruise control and all the other bits.
Headed south on the convict trail to wonderful Port Arthur. Sort of forgot too that there is not much between Port Arthur and Antarctica – OMG, it was cold. I did think that Miriam would always carry a brolly, so I was very pleased I brought mine.
I set up camp and cooked a lovely dinner – a fat wombat and a group of pademelons watched me from amongst the tree ferns. I have really forgotten how beautiful Tasmania is (and how cold).
Sleeping under the stars 